Engine Compatibility

[jschwarz]

I'm a realtively inexperienced model railroader and have acquired some Bachmann N Scale trains with EZ track and two of Transformer 6607.  My question is do I have to use Bachmann engines?  Will other N scale engines operate with my setup?  Any info would be appreciated.

[mhampton]

The simple answer is yes, N scale equipment is interchangeable among manufacturers.  It does get a little more complicated because some locomotives like the ones you have are probably made to run on DC (Direct Current).   There is also a facet of the hobby with locomotives that use DCC (Digital Command Control).  The two aren't interchangeable.  As you progress, you will also run into coupler incompatibilities.  Older N scale trains use a rather large squared-off "C" shaped coupler called a Rapido.  Newer ones use a more prototypical design of knuckle coupler.  Don't be discouraged!  There are lots of ways to get around some of these inconveniences.